When you're buying a holiday home or investment property overseas, trading your currency can be a crucial cost factor. The euro exchange rate is constantly fluctuating, so trading at the right time will mean your money goes a lot further. Adrian Leeds Group, LLC and Moneycorp are working together to ensure you make the most of your Dollar or Sterling when buying a property in France or anytime you transfer from one currency to another.

The jokes were flying. Every time one of the production crew for the House Hunters International filming squeezed into a shower or a toilet to get the perfect shot, or hide from the camera, we couldn't help but chuckle at the image of these grown men in such tight and compromising positions!

Over the course of three weekend days, the crew shot the footage for another episode here in Paris with our clients, our designer and our apartments. This episode's story line is a young couple with two kids who are seeking a one-bedroom "pied-à-terre" in the Marais that they can enjoy themselves, rent when available and ultimately use more as they get older -- perhaps ultimately moving to Paris.

The purchaser had her dear friend from Germany with her, in place of her husband, to visit the potential properties and help make decisions. She's a fashion blogger with a keen sense of style and very strongly held opinions about how her environment needs to reflect her personality and give her harmony and balance.

We 'visited' three Paris "pied-à-terres" that fit within her parameters in size, price and location...but not necessarily her taste. She and her friend go from room to room. They discuss the pros and cons of each and in the end, of course, she chooses one. Designer, Martine di Mattéo steps in, completes the decor, she and her family move in, they love the apartment and the rest becomes history.

The three apartments are all ones offered on Parler Paris Apartments, but I don't dare disclose which until the episode airs! We've filmed six House Hunters International episodes so far. Four are airing in rotation now and a new one we filmed a couple of months ago is soon to be released. This latest episode will air in the next few months and on the calendar is another one to be filmed in July.

The episodes in Paris are popular viewing for HHI's audience. Duh, I wonder why!? Let's face it, isn't Paris the most desirable city in the world? I know this every time I phone the U.S. and speak to a customer service representative who, when I say, "I'm calling from Paris," says in return, "Wow, aren't you lucky?!" To which I reply, "Yes, I am!" But thinking...it's not about luck. You just make it happen.

Just like the purchaser of this "pied-a-terre," who said during the filming, "I can't believe just a year-and-a-half ago we weren't even thinking about an apartment in Paris, and now look at us." Anyone can do it if they just set their sights on the goal and work towards it. It's what we do every single day to help people achieve that...with a great sense of accomplishment and reward. These episodes prove that.

Sorry, you can't just watch all House Hunters International episodes on YouTube.com -- this is licensed programming that only HGTV can air -- but if you read Parler Paris, then watch for our announcements of upcoming episodes or visit Press & Media to find your favorites.

A few closing chuckles:

This is when you know you've haven't been here long enough (or too long).

I wrote someone to meet me "chez moi" and he wrote back, "I can't seem to find 'chez moi' on the map, do you have an address?" (Clearly he hasn't been here long enough and isn't that really sweet?)

Irving Shore, a Parler Paris reader and regular 'political sparring partner,' thought of me jokingly while shopping in Walmart in Philadelphia when he found the perfect rebuttal to "Parler Nice" -- massively huge bathing trunks that proclaim "I DON'T DO NICE" in neon colors. What do you think, Irving? A new fashion for the Riviera? Guess you haven't been here enough, period!

I invited friends for a very 'open house' style picnic on "Labor Day" and when I checked back to see if one of them had gotten my email, he wrote, "You said Labor Day. I thought you meant September!" That's when you know he hasn't been here long enough.

1. Tuesday, May 1st, at 6 p.m. at Shakespeare & Company Bookstore, join the contributors reading from the writing anthology, "Vignettes & Postcards, Writings From the Evening Writing Workshop at Shakespeare and Company, Paris, Fall, 2011" -- this collection of twenty-six stories comes from the workshop, "Leaping Into the Void," taught by award-winning writer Erin Byrne and edited by Erin and Anna Pook, ongoing instructor of the workshop.

2. Thursday, May 10th at 7:30 p.m. at the American Library in Paris "A Night at the Movies:" Judith Merians examines ‘The Shawshank Redemption.’ Discover the subtext of the story in which Andy, the force of hope, arrives in a forsaken place, changes it, and moves on.

3. Tuesday, May 15th, 3 to 5 p.m. (Note special date due to holidays!) at Parler Paris Après Midi when poet and teacher, Cecilia Woloch, talks about "The Poetry of Paris." Cecilia Woloch will read from her own work and the work of other poets inspired by Paris, poetry in which the city itself features prominently. Following a brief discussion on the role of Paris as muse, Cecilia will lead a brief exercise in capturing the beauty and mystery of Paris in words. Visit Parler Paris Après Midifor more information.

Exceptional Rental in New York City: Cool & Comfy Studio in New York’s West Village

West Village New York City studio apartment (with a perfect view of the Empire State Building) is available for vacation rental May 29 to July 5 (departure required on July 5)for as little as $175/night, $1100/week (inquire for discounts on longer stays). Located in the heart of the coolest 'hood' in the city. "It's super cozy, clean and comfortable." A 50% deposit reserves your stay.

A sense of “bien-être” or “well-being” is what you will find at Le Bien Illuminé. From the natural light streaming in the windows, to the sleek efficient design, to the long list of amenities, all features in this one-bedroom gem, designed and decorated by Interior Architect Martine di Mattéo, have been conceived to make you feel completely at home and comfortable..

FREE one-hour consultation! Guests of Parler Paris Apartments or Parler Nice Apartments who are considering the purchase of their own "pied-à-terre" for pleasure and profit, can take advantage of a free one-hour consultation while enjoying the apartment in the City of Light or on the Riviera. Simply complete the request form to book your consultation.

Parler Paris Après-Midi

At every Après-Midi, a guest speaker of note will come to talk about a topic of interest and then open the floor for questions and discussion.

May 15 - Cecilia Woloch, Poet and Teacher

"The Poetry of Paris"

Poet and teacher Cecilia Woloch will read from her own work and the work of other poets inspired by Paris, poetry in which the city itself features prominently. Following a brief discussion on the role of Paris as muse, Cecilia will lead a brief exercise in capturing the beauty and mystery of Paris in words.

France always makes sense! It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, immersed in culture and tradition, with a good climate and unspoiled countryside, as well as excellent health care and affordable real estate. It’s not surprising that France is the world’s favorite destination, receiving in excess of 82 million overseas visitors each year.

This edition is updated and edited by Adrian Leeds and Schuyler Hoffman. If you’ve ever aspired to living or investing in this beautiful and desirable country, France: The Owner’s Manual will provide you with all the information you need to turn your dreams into reality. Get Your Copy Today!

Own a luxurious pied-à-terre in Paris… at the best address in the city

The luxurious two bedroom fractional ownership apartment known as "Le Palace des Vosges" feels more like a house in the country, but is conveniently located right in the middle of Paris’ most elegant square, the Place des Vosges. If this is the year you plan to purchase your Paris pied-à-terre, Le Palace des Vosges is the perfect property – it is finely decorated by Interior Architect, Martine de Matteo, and furnished with every luxurious amenity. There are just a few shares left. Become one of the happy owners of Le Palace des Vosges before it's too late.